Sure, my chest is throbbing as I type this because I forgot to take my Tylenol an hour ago and my body still hasn’t healed from its recent surgical invasion. Yes, I don’t love that I am meeting with another oncologist in a couple of weeks to discuss my ovarian cancer risk and the drastic measures I should consider to hedge my bets against winning the cancer lottery twice in my life.

But, I am not lying under a pile of cement and twisted metal as I choke on dust filled air and pray that the search and rescue teams and their sniffer dogs, will dig through the rubble in Christchurch, New Zealand in time to find me. Nor, am I stranded in an apartment in Tripoli, Libya listening to the hollow pop of machine gun fire as I pray that mercenaries don’t kick through the door and wave their guns in my face.

I am safe, healthy, and surrounded by love. The outpouring of over $4000 in donations for my volunteer trip to Africa has me reeling with gratitude. I am humbled to have your support as I travel around the world to heal my soul and become a human jungle gym to a few South African children, in need of a little extra love and affection.

So, the next time a sharp pain wakes me up in the night, I forget my thoughts in mid-sentence due to the lingering affects of chemo brain, or my heart moans a little from its most recent break, I will remember that I am safe, alive, and incredibly blessed. Then, hopefully, I will also remember to send out a little prayer for the many people around the world who face more crushing adversity than I have ever known.

Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something
. For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
 During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations. Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge. 
Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. 
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
. Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things. 
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
 also thankful for the setbacks.

GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive. 
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
 and they can become your blessings.

Author Unknown